The Beach Boys’ Al Jardine remembers Brian Wilson: ‘I’m still learning from him after all these years’
The passing away of Brian Wilson, the founder of The Beach Boys, is a profound and incalculable loss to the world of music as well as to California – not just the geographical location, but also the aspirational ideal that Wilson beautifully embodied through his majestic and delicate compositions.
Wilson served as the creative force behind the iconic American rock band, continually pushing the boundaries of pop music alongside the Beatles, venturing into uncharted territories of complexity and innovation. Simultaneously, he penned tunes that encapsulated the yearning spirit of a rising youth movement.
Only two original band members remain after his passing – Mike Love and Al Jardine, a longtime friend of Wilson’s from high school who lent his voice to early hits such as “Help Me Rhonda” and penned songs for later-period favorites like “Surf’s Up” and “Sunflower.
On the day Wilson’s passing was announced, Jardine shared a few words with The Times, reminiscing about his longtime friend and musical partner. As a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter currently touring with his Pet Sounds Band, performing Beach Boys classics emphasizing their ’70s catalog, he reflected on six decades of collaborative work with one of popular music’s most brilliant minds.
Jardine’s conversation was edited for length and clarity.
Music
82-year-old Brian Wilson, the genius behind the Beach Boys who crafted an iconic Southern California sound with his string of chart-topping tunes, has passed away.
Recently, I’ve suffered the painful loss of my dearest friend and guide. It’s an unpleasant sensation, but I intend to persevere, keeping our musical bond alive by playing and performing with the Pet Sounds Band.
Brian was an exceptional companion, having shared our childhood experiences and attending the same high school. We both chose to leave formal education prematurely, but this decision wasn’t detrimental since we had a shared ambition for the future. That vision was centered around creating music together.
In essence, our friendship flourished and led to considerable achievements, significantly boosted by his exceptional skillset. Remarkably versatile, he excelled in crafting both basic and intricate compositions simultaneously. He was truly a forward-thinking creative mind.
From our shared musical background, his growth was extraordinary. He emerged as a pioneer, inventing novel approaches to chord structures that were previously unheard-of. In response, we followed suit and matched his progression.
Brian is often credited with creating California’s state of mind, but what he truly did was pioneer a unique style of music during the ’60s and ’70s. His work was incredibly complex, yet transcended those boundaries. He was an unassuming colossus in the realm of American composition.
Music
Wilson leaves a singularly inventive, exultant body of work that scripted California to the world.
I believe no one else could understand his struggles, considering everything he experienced. I composed some songs he admired, and assisted him during challenging periods. It’s terrifying to be lost in the wilderness alone, unsure of how to find your way back home. One of my songs helped him navigate through that, which is a significant compliment coming from Brian Wilson, a man who faced his own battles.
Brian Wilson’s band marked a revitalization in his career. Since he wasn’t fond of touring, this band offered him something fresh – the opportunity to appreciate his own compositions and an admiration he hadn’t experienced previously.
His musical legacy requires a dedicated and skilled interpreter, and fortunately, we have some of the most devoted individuals who were originally part of his band to carry on this task. My son Matthew possesses Brian’s vocal talent, and the genetic foundation is present. With our arranger, Darian, skillfully crafting all vocals, we are confident that we have the necessary strength and intelligence to successfully continue Brian’s work.
Back in the day, when Carl Wilson and I were belting out our harmonies, we had to simplify certain elements because we couldn’t recreate everything from the studio with just five of us. Fast forward to today, we’ve got ten talented individuals on stage now, and just yesterday, I was blown away by some background vocals that brought back memories of our old days – you can clearly hear snippets of Carl and Dennis in there.
Music
Wilson, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82, was an innovative pioneer within the realm of music, a term that might not fully capture his knack for exploring the boundless potential of audio.
Whenever we remove the band, there’s a small white piano on stage that I use, similar to the one he used previously. This piano without any accompaniment serves as a symbolic representation.
For our latest tour, we’re moving away from the popular hits and delving deeper into less-frequently played tracks from our 1970s catalog. There are many songs that the audience hasn’t heard before, allowing us to express the essence of those albums. I was really looking forward to having Brian with us on this tour.
It’s marvelous; we wish this music could endure eternally, touching souls as deeply as it did for Brian.
Playing this role comes as second nature to me, given my extensive experience and deep-rooted passion for it. The responsibility is substantial, yet it doesn’t weigh heavy on my shoulders because I feel a natural connection with it. Confidence surges within me, especially considering the exceptional talent that this band possesses. Even after all these years, I continue to learn from Brian, which only fuels my enthusiasm for our shared craft.
Read More
2025-06-12 21:01